To-a-T

'Absynthe Light' Aesthetic Gown

2011-03-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

To-a-T presents the 'Absynthe Light' Aesthetic Gown. As so many people request this dress in other colors, particularly lighter ones (as is appropriate for the style itself), I've made it in a pale green and turquoise. Designed by Walter Crane in 1894, in contrast to more popular styles of the time, the Aesthetic and Bohemian styles reflected more artistic and modern values, including women's rights. And of course Beauty and Liberty. :-)

More interesting information about the movement and it's ideals can be found here.

In Time for Valentine's Day: A Wild Rose

2011-01-27T13:34:00.000-08:00

The Wild Rose Steampunk Jypsy
Thinking of romance and Valentine's day I've taken this dress from moody purples into rambling wild roses. Gypsies and wild roses seem perfectly suited to each other. I was inspired to add a hat to this option rich ensemble, with an explosion of feathers at the back, and more gypsy coins as decoration. The metal corset that comes included has taken on an almost candy colored look.
The final word for the Wild Rose Steampunk Jypsy is "Edible".

Steampunk Jypsy, Winterfell Rose

2011-01-02T08:43:00.000-08:00

Inspired in colors and feeling by the Winterfell sims and Winterfell's emblem, and most importantly, Miss Serra Anansi, I've created a Victorian take on the icon of the independent and free gypsy.

This was a Christmas release and it has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas. But that's just how I roll...

This sexy, strong & free gypsy outfit is all about metal, lace and ribbons, and it started out as a FREE outfit (Yes! Get a free version at the Winterfell community center) and then I kept embellishing it. A Steampunk Jypsy outfit with about a TRILLION options for how you might wear it. There's more in the box than on the vendor pic as I couldn't cram that many variations and items into one picture. The full version includes a few extra special items plus many more layers of each item for as many looks as possible. OK, yes. It's got ribbons in common with Christmas; lots and lots of ribbons....

Maybe I'll make a red version for Valentines?

Suggestions for another color welcome.

The Vestements of Who?

2011-01-01T10:30:00.000-08:00

OMG I've actually finished another outfit.
AND it's for men. Shocker of the century.(Actually it's also for women.)

Yes, It's true and I'm very proud of this one. The robe textures in particular. They have a nice rich velvet quality. Based on the 2009 robes seen in the new Doctor series. The oufit: robes and a short tunic along with trousers, with a timey whimey lordy symbol on the front. I've also thrown in a lovely old style skull cap, made by EzY McAlpine. I thought it added a nice traditional look. Personally I view these Prydonian colored robes all they were wearing as a consequence of the Time War and resuscitation of Rassilon. In my mind they are Time War era robes. But that's just me. I do prefer the traditional idea that all the different chapter houses have their own colors.
So, new product, not exactly Victorian, but woman/man does not live on bread alone! Sometimes we need a bit of time travelling too...

Also note: I've partnered with Hands of Omega to offer this and other role play avatar items under the new Visions of Pythia line. Some will be canon, like this one. Others simply my take on what Time Lord culture might wear, etc.

'Daughter of Shanghai', in Lucky Jade green

2010-03-12T14:06:00.001-08:00

A 1882 Victorian-Steampunk Kimono Bustle Dress.

Inspired by the Steelhead Shanghai sim (by TotalLunar Eclipse) and the thought of "What would Asian Steampunk look like?" This time in Jade green with Rust orange accents

This version of the outfit comes with so many accessories!

An opium pipe.

A lovely parasol and a fan with a green clover motif. They both close and open on touch and include holding and fanning anims that work alongside AOs.

A feather boa.

I've also included an accessory chain. It has a charm and a couple of opium accoutrements on it.

Happy St. Patty's day! :-)

UPDATE

Some Blog mentions:

Miss Breezy Carver has also covered the Lucky Jade Shanghai on her blog, celebrating Saint Patrick's day with a number of pictures of our new outfit. Please visit her site here. You might think of subscribing to her site as she does a regular coverage of not only fashion but current events in the Steamlands, especially New Babbage sims.

Thank you Miss Carver for the lovely article!

Miss Twisted Lemon has had some fun photographing both versions of the Daughter of Shanghai dress on her blog, here. She's a great SL photographer that works both on the Primgraph and the PrimPerfect magazines. I'm honored. What's nice about her pics in this instance is that there was no photoshopping and they look wonderful as they are.

Nice av, Miss Lemon! *waggles brows* ;-)

Thank you!

Daughter of Shanghai in China Red

2010-02-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

An 1882 Kimono Bustle Dress in China Red

Inspired by the Steelhead Shanghai sim (by TotalLunar Eclipse) and the thought of "What would Asian Steampunk look like?" I took the narrow bustle style dress of the early 1880's and combined it with Asian styling. Being that Valentines AND the Chinese New Year(Tiger, btw) was around the corner, China Red seemed to be the obvious first color. With or without the waspie corset the Chinese silk sheen gives it a luxurious look. The lacy blouse and standup collar with metal hinges ads an exotic flavour to the ensemble, and when the bottom dress fabric is worn without the bustle it takes on an Edwardian fishtail look.

A cute bowler fascinator is ads to the steampunk flavour along with red lantern hairsticks and a little decolletage rose to wear as well, just for flirty fun.

It also looks good when down to the basic system skirt if you need a low lag outfit that still looks great.

Find it in Steelhead Shanghai.

Snow globe Mini-Top Hat

2009-12-03T12:46:00.000-08:00

Nothing says Merry Christmas like a Snow Globe on top of a mini-top hat, non?

Yes, it's a snowy snow globe perched on a red crushed velvet mini-top hat, decorated in white feathers, red ribbon, diamonds, Holly leaves and berries. Red netting offers an extra degree of coquetish glamour. It should look perfect with any white, red or green ensemble.

Meant for festive holiday celebration!

Non-denominational.

Sensational.

"Gigi Colombe" for the Holidays

2009-11-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

To-a-T presents: "Gigi Colombe", an Edwardian gown, released only in reds and rose colors. This is a reproduction of a gown from the movie "Gigi". In the original the black birds seem to hold up the white strapless gown. Since we are in the holiday season, the birds are white doves and the gown is in cheery reds & rose colors. There is an optional train that ads a regal Edwardian flair or it can be worn without it for a more modern air.

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! :-)

Halloween Jack Industrial Topper

2009-10-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

To-a-T presents the Halloween Jack Industrial Topper for the Gentlemen. A Jack-O-lantern sits atop a black velvet tophat with wooden and brass detailing, including rivets and steam stack. On the front there is an ominous skull with glowing green eyes and two purple feathers wi a touch of bounce set off the hat. There is a special halloween sound when touched. The perfect Halloween hat to finish off any fall outfit.

The Dead Bennet

2009-10-17T19:14:00.000-07:00

"The Dead Bennet", a Regency period gown for Halloween or whenever you might feel frightful. Based on my Elizabeth Bennet dress, it's a mourning gown with a bit of a Halloween touch. When relatives don't stay dead, this is the perfect outfit. Try it wi one of our Halloween fascinators, or the Spider Tikka for the complete Halloween look.

I promise this is the end of my Halloween madness! All done. :-)

Halloween themed fascinators!

2009-10-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

Two veiled fascinators for this Halloween season:

- A Jack-O-Lantern fascinator that does a Vincent Price Laugh when you touch it;

- And a miniature Witch's Hat fascinator that emits bats(touch to turn off).

Either fascinator is perfect for any Halloween outfit, the final "piece de resistance"!

Spider Tikka Massala

2009-10-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

Presenting the: "Spider Tikka Massala" A spider themed "tikka" (Indian forehead jewelry) for Halloween. This tikka is made in diamonds and antiqued silver. Elegant yet creepy, perfect for any Halloween outfit. If you poke the spider there's a chilling scream. :-)

To-a-T is offering TCMD's TARDIS earrings

2009-10-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

To-a-T is happy to offer TCMD's TARDIS earrings. Amazing micro-sized TARDISes, they come in gold or blue and soon will be in silver as well. Being a Doctor Who fan I couldn't resist this.

Lady Romana

2009-10-09T23:01:00.000-07:00

-A Neo-Victorian Gown.

For the lady of distinction and class, this gown features an eye catching A-line silouette, emphasized by embroidered ribbons(font & back) that travel the length of the bodice and down, moving freely over top of the skirt’s silky fabric. It comes with an array of wearing options, from a Victorian look that includes a velvet, feathered fascinator to the ‘futuristic’ (sleevless & daring!). Also included is “Tikka” forehead jewelry, so fashionable in the exotic far East and all the rage in the West among those of the “Bohemian” persuasion.

The Tikka, if examined closely, features a miniature gear framing a precious stone and small seal of Rassilon filligree. The Tikka comes in two color options, gold or silver, included with the gown.

Steam Hunt Treasure Hunters

2009-09-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Steam Hunt's been quite a success, with lots of treasure hunters hauling in a nice load of Steampunked booty. Every once in a while happy hunters have IM'd me with thanks for the gift, which is so sweet to hear, very encouraging.There's a nice write up on the Steam Hunt on the "Chic at Phil's Place" blog, including a sweet mention of my free Steam Hunt gift for the ladies. There's a men's version in the treasure package as well, fyi. Don't want to spoil the surprise but for a picture of the ladies version follow this link.

Second Life fashion meets Real Life fashion.

2009-09-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

Below you see the lovely Jema Hewitt, period and vintage clothing designer extraordinaire. I made this dress thinking of her Second Life character, Emilly Ladybird, and her love of red. She was, in turn, inspired to reproduce it in real life. I've placed the original dress version underneath the RL creation for reference. I couldn't be more thrilled! It's pretty exciting to see one's imagination made real.

Please visit Jema's website http://bridal-originals.co.uk/ and peruse her amazing work.

She also creates lovely Steampunk jewellery which you can see here: http://steampunkjewellery.blogspot.com/

Awfuly cute bustle, ma'am!

and here's the original(click it for more info).

"Poppins in the Park" Reckless Boots

2009-09-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

A new color scheme for the "Reckless" boots is at the main To-a-T shop in Caledon Eyre. "Poppins in the Park" is named for it's flirty white brocade, it's luscious red heel and toe caps and rich black embroidery. There are two pairs in the box, the only difference being the shoe lace colors. Red or White.

Caution: These boots won't blend with just anything, and are meant to be worn by a lady of wit, imagination and daring.

"Tempus Fugit" the ladies' velvet fascinator that tells time

2009-08-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

For the elegant lady who has almost everything, we present the Tempus Fugit: A lovely steampunk black and white velvet fascinator (mini-top hat) with a winged gear watch on the front. It tells SL time, & with an optional hourly tune(a waltz), it chimes the hours with steam. Nice stripey ribbon & scrolls decorate it. Ribbed, riveted & "cogged" this lovely topper comes with coquette netting that falls over the eyes. Flirtatious and fresh, this is a vital accessory for any lady needing to get to that tea party on time!

The Kiralette Blouse in 22 colors

2009-07-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

The romantic and daring Kiralette ruffled blouse is now available in 22 colors. I first made the blouse in cream to be worn with the Automated Alice corsets. I ended up liking it so much I thought it should be available in other colors. Below I've posted a sample of a few with a slide show of the rest.
I think I'll have to make a flouncy, peasant or gypsy style steampunk skirt to go with this...maybe a camisole too? Hmmm...

Reckless Victorian Ankle Boots

2009-07-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

These "Reckless" Victorian ankle boots are designed especially for preventing twisted ankles when adventuring about. Whether in the city, the country or above it all in a hot air balloon, ladies can rest assured they won't be slowing down the action with a broken ankle. Cobbled in sturdy brocade and leather, and featuring lovely embroidered scrollwork, Fashion will also be present for the adventure. Carry on undaunted steampunk Miss!

RFL Pink Sarah Jane - Automated Alice ensemble.

2009-07-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

An especially femenine RFL version of the "Sarah Jane and Automated Alice" ensemble in pink.
You can find this shameless ensemble at Piermont Landing
or To-a-T in Port Babbage.

Automated Alice, metal steampunk corsets

2009-06-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

To-a-T releases the Automated Alice, metal steampunk corsets in a rich variety of metals, including copper & mixed metals, gold, silver, silver & brass, Rusty Iron & silver, Iron & gold, Iron & silver. Lovely metalwork consisting of victorian scrolls and cogs decorate these waspie waist shapers. Sold on 3 different clothing layers including a Kiralette blouse in cream.

Sarah Jane Bloomers and Automated Alice Ensemble

2009-06-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

Bloomers in Public! The scandal!
Yes, To-a-T has made bloomers, feel free to wear these in public places. Think of the outrage, think of the attention! ;-)
Sarah Jane Bloomers & Automated Alice ensemble is at the main shop in Eyre now. The striped bloomers are trimmed wi bows & ruffles at the knee. The Automated Alice is an underbust corset made of hand worked metals, this model is made with iron and gold, velvet padding inside for comfort. Also included is the Kiralette ruffled blouse in luxurious silk, a lovely lace and ribbon choker, and the piece de resistance - a winged cog fob watch(Tempus Fugit) that plays a lovely french tune and chimes the hours by steam. It's all topped off with a Tesla Bowler that sparks on touch! Smart & Sassy.

This ensemble comes in 7 colors:
Canary
Cornflower
Safari
Lavender
Sage
Black
Candy

So satisfying to be done. Now on to the next in line. The rest of the Automated Alice metal corsets!

Edwardian Blossom - Spring Blooms!

2009-05-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

Finally they're here and in the shop: The full color line of the Edwardian Blossom dress is up and in 6 glorious colors.
Dare to bare your decolletage in this ultimately sensuous Edwardian silk ball gown. With delicate organza shoulder ruffles and satin rose detailing, you will be the belle of any ball. The skirt comes in long and short train variations with optional bow trimmings. The sculpted bodice is exquisitely trimmed with either a plain or rose garlanded decollete. Matching dip dyed slippers included.

Verdant & Peach

Hibiscus & Orchid

Morning Glory & Black Orchid

Wear the plain decollete option for a sleeker modern look.

Edwardian Blossom - Sneak Peek

2009-05-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

Dare to bare your decolletage in this ultimately sensuous Edwardian silk ball gown.
The Special premiere release of the Orchid colorway was this past friday.

The other colors to be released this coming Friday, May 8th. All the colors are:

Orchid
Hibiscus
Verdant
Morning Glory
Peach Blossom
Black Orchid

And having just finished making the rest of my vendor images for this line of ball gowns, I thought I'd do a quick upload of some of the photos and give a preview of the colors to be available.

Now done with all the colorways, all I have to do is package them for this coming friday.
Oddly, my favorite vendor turned out to be the dark gown. Not very springy, but it's got that gothy dramatic look. Hey...it's a black orchid, it's supposed to be dark. That's my excuse for sneaking in the dark one...perhaps she's the black sheep of the family.

I've been working on these a ridiculously long time and I won't tell you how long either! But I'm happy with the outcome.
Spring has sprung! ;-)

The Waiscoat of Rassilon

2009-04-12T01:01:00.000-07:00

And now for the Waistcoat of Rassilon (said with an echo effect)

These waistcoats are in part based on the Victorian waistcoat Paul McGann wore as the Doctor in the 1996 Doctor Who movie. The fine silk used shows a pattern made up of repetitions of the Seal of Rassilon. The different color themed packs are based on the different Time Lord chapters of the Gallifreyan Time Lords, of which there are six. Some i've broken up into smaller packs of two variations in a box. I recommend mixing these with something from another time period, preferably 21st century: jeans or sneakers, a time vortex manipulator or some such thing, all good complements.

I thoroughly enjoyed making these, I confess. I'm very happy with the shine and luster of the silk I found for this project. ;-)
Currently these Waistcoats can only be found at the Panopticon in New Gallifrey or the Cardiff Millenium Center in Katrina. I'll be putting them up in the To-a-T shop in Caledon Eyre sometime this week, with an official announcement.

-A special thanks to Mr. Numinus Quandry for posing for the vendors.
-A special thanks to Mr. Sputnik for helping with the textile pattern creation. He is a texture king.

Time Lord Robes

2009-04-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, finally, after working on these for almost a year, off and on, they are finally finished. I absolutely lurves my Doctor Who, so i think i was being overly perfectionist. Not that they are perfect (I'm already thinking how they could be better), but you simply have to recognise your limitations and let go sooner or later...*sighs*

Time Lord Robes for the discerning Time Lord or Lady. 66 different colors with a color change menu on touch. Thousands of color combinations, as there are 5 different parts of the head dress that can be colored separately. When being haughty and superior over most species in the known Universe simply isn't enough, every self respecting Time Lord knows that overly elaborate, large and attention getting ceremonial robes are what's needed to supply that extra dash of snobbery and strike instant humility into any visiting alien. If you are of the evil Time Lord/Lady variety, these fit the bill for instilling fear in your minions and enemies alike. So if you're either in the council chambers showing off your house colors with pride or just feel like looking fab when hanging by your TARDIS pool, these traditional Time Lord Robes fit the bill.

Look for them at The Panopticon in New Gallifrey, To-a-T's main shop in Caledon Eyre, or Katrina's Millenium Centre

-A special thanks to Lady Sen Pixie and Lord Oolon Sputnik for nagging me and hammering on my head with a cartoon mallet until I finished these.

The Mad Hatter To-a-T party

2009-04-04T18:26:00.000-07:00

Twinkle, twinkle little bat,
1 to 4 and bring a hat,
April 3rd without a care,
To-a-T in Caledon Eyre.

“Merry Unbirthday” we will say,
Flamingos and hedgehogs play croquet,
Waltz among the dinner things,
“I’m late, I’m late” white rabbit sings.

Cheshire cats smile with glee,
Great big cups of dormouse tea,
“Drink Me” bottles and cake for free,
So come along and dance with me!

Miss Terry Lightfoot graciously invites you to the Mad Hatter’s To-a-T Party at To-a-T in Caledon Eyre on the 3rd April.
~~~~~~~~~

Well I held my first To-a-T shop party this past friday, the Mad Hatter To-a-T party, and it was a mad success. I have to thank the organizers, Alfonso Avalanche and Fuschia Begonia as well as the DJ, Elrik Merlin for doing the MOST EXCELLENT job possible. They put alot of their time into it and it showed. Croquet flamingoes, floating marching cards, giant tea tables with giant tea pots, lovely Alice in Wonderland cutouts. I made my own contributions by working on freebies like an "Ace up your sleeve Typer" and a new line of waistcoats i'm calling the Maverick(gambling, cards...you get the idea) and each waistcoat has a suit of cards associated with it. For the party i made a fun dramatic one with diamonds i'm calling the Diamond Jim version, that went out with the freebie box. There is another i finished in time that's simply "Full House" version and of course shows all the suits' symbols: Black on a deep red background of subtle striping. Of course I had to make a half cup of tea and a couple of Mad Hats, and it was all packaged in a "To-a-T Chest" :-)

Overall it was a blast, several people IMing me about the DJ and loving his crazy ecclectic taste. The playlist was a mad jigsaw of diametrically opposed music styles, yet somehow all working together. And, of course, when the "Cardiff Rift" gang from Katrina showed up...well it was about 10 minutes of Doctor Who music spam :D which was just fine by me...lol. Most of my friends were able to be there including my lovely RL husband Stanley and a mad wild time was had by all!

1890's Classic Evening Tailcoat for the gentleman

2009-04-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

~New 1890's Classic Evening Tailcoat is up at the To-a-T main shop in Eyre. Classic step collar and 1890's styling on the tailcoat jacket, white gloves, two dress waistcoats, trousers, cane with optional ao, formal top hat, formal winged collar & bow cravat. Get yours now be dapper today!~

RFL-Edwardian Blossom (Midnight Bloom)

2009-03-06T15:53:00.000-08:00

Well i'd been working on this dress since last spring but never got it done in time. I just wasnt satisfied. I was wrestling with 3 different ideas for the train. Finally decided upon a method that seemed to work well. But that didn't happen for ages. The colors were intended as pastel dip dyes. Then RFL came up and i thought i'd put one out in reverse, in a black to color dye instead of white to color. Came out with this:

Think I'll make the spring versions now (although late in spring now!)
Perhaps one other dark version, simply black to white perhaps.

Diamanda in Orchid ~ 1850's Crinoline Ball Gown

2009-03-04T14:20:00.000-08:00

Another colorway of my Diamanda Crinoline gown, made especially for the RFL, this year.

RFL - Walking Dress ~ Persian Rose

2009-03-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

Having made only 2 color variations on my "Walking Dress" I've decided to keep going with more. Dedicated this one to the RFL for the duration.

Domino Ladybird, Burlesque Ensemble

2009-01-27T13:09:00.000-08:00

It's almost Valentine's Day and To-a-T is releasing the Domino Ladybird. As the name suggests, the colors are red and black and the pattern is polka-dots. This dress comes wi four bustle variations and more ways to combine them. Going from absolutely charming to downright saucy & burlesque, the ensemble is complemented by a lovely primmy parasol adorned with roses, provided in closed or open form and a fascinator, also in two variations.

I also went a bit nuts after i packaged the dress and made matching shoes that can be bought in two colors, or for a special price buy both variations because YOU MUST HAVE THEM. :-)

Terry pockets her hypno wheel...